Malam Garba Shehu, the spokesperson for former President Muhammadu Buhari, has provided reasons for Buhari’s absence from the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, as reported by News360 Nigeria.
The meeting, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was attended by key APC members, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, governors, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), and other major stakeholders.
However, some prominent figures, including Buhari, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, were absent.
Speaking with BBC Hausa, Garba Shehu clarified that Buhari did not attend due to receiving a late invitation.
“President Muhammadu Buhari is not a caucus member of the party. He was supposed to attend the NEC meeting, but unfortunately, the invitation was sent to him on Monday and only reached him on Tuesday. Because of this, he could not leave Daura for Abuja, even if he owned a private jet,” Shehu explained.
Despite Buhari’s absence, Shehu reaffirmed his loyalty to the party.
“Buhari is a founding member of the APC. He was nominated by the party for president twice. He is a member of the APC even though he did not attend the meeting,” Shehu added.
